MBS International Airport lands $12.7 million in stimulus funds for new terminal

MBS International Airport near Freeland is on its way to receiving $12.7 million in federal stimulus dollars, a boost which will fund construction of a new terminal and create new jobs.

On Wednesday, the Michigan House of Representatives approved part of a larger bill appropriating $30.4 million in federal stimulus dollars for five Michigan airports. The plan is currently awaiting Senate action.

DAVID A. SOMMERS | The Saginaw NewsAn aerial view of MBS International Airport.

The new terminal is nearing completion of the second phase of its construction, with the new grant going toward the third phase, Nagel said.

"In the third phase, we will start laying the concrete foundation and putting up the steel of the building," he added.

The third phase will generate an estimated 250 jobs, Nagel said.

"Most of those will be here in the region doing actual construction. I'm sure this grant will have a substantial economic benefit to the bay region."

In addition to funding the construction of the new terminal, the stimulus dollars will pay for site improvements such as drainage, utilities and the local access road.

Once completed, the new structure will replace the existing terminal, in service since 1965. The new terminal has been scheduled to open in 2012.

"Bay City residents and the Great Lakes Bay Region have long used MBS as a means to travel and these funds will ensure that MBS remains a destination airport for years to come," State Rep. Jeff Mayes, D-Bay City, said in a press release.

"With the economic struggles our state is experiencing, we must be sure that our airports and the thousands of Michigan residents they employ are not left behind."

"This is great news for Saginaw," added State Rep. Andy Coulouris, D-Saginaw.

"The construction of a new world-class terminal building will not only create jobs in our community, it will cement MBS's status as a transportation hub that brings jobs and economic development into Saginaw.

"This stimulus funding will jumpstart our local economy and help get people back on the job."